What Is The Alkaline Diet?
The alkaline diet is a dietary practice based on the central idea that the foods we eat affect our body’s pH balance. It was developed by Robert Oldham Young, an American naturopathic practitioner. When discussing this diet, it is important to understand pH, which is the measurement of how acidic or alkaline something is. It generally ranges from 0-14, which can be categorized further as thus:
pH 0-6.9: Acidic pH 7: Neutral pH 7.1-14: Basic/Alkaline
Now, when we talk about the human body, its pH can greatly vary. For instance, the stomach has a pH of 2–3.5 as it contains hydrochloric acid, while the blood in the arteries has a pH of 7.36–7.44 and intracellular pH approximately 7.2 (1). Further, your urine may have a variable pH, depending on the body’s need for balancing the internal environment (2). The followers of the alkaline diet follow the ‘acid-ash hypothesis,’ which proposes that eating patterns that are high in acid-forming foods such as meat and low in alkaline-forming foods like vegetables and fruits can create an imbalance in your blood’s pH level and lead to diseases such as osteoporosis. However, this hypothesis has no scientific basis. In fact, research suggests that while food can change the pH level of your urine, it has no significant impact on the pH level of your blood (2). The followers of the alkaline diet claim that it can prevent chronic conditions and diseases, including kidney disease and hypertension. Let us find out how much of it is true in the next section.
Benefits Of The Alkaline Diet
May Prevent Osteoporosis
The alkaline diet is argued to reduce the risk of osteoporosis using the “acid-ash hypothesis” (3). According to the hypothesis, your body takes alkaline minerals such as calcium from your bones when you eat acid-forming foods. It does so to buffer the acids from these foods, which results in a loss in bone mineral density. However, this theory is debated to have no scientific basis and overlooks the basic function of your kidneys, which is to help maintain the acid-base balance in the body (4). Further, a meta-analysis states that there is no evidence that an acidic diet can lead to osteoporotic bone diseasei Another term for osteoporosis which causes the bones to become weak and brittle. or that an alkaline diet can prevent it (5). Although the debate is still on, anecdotal evidence suggests it has benefited those with osteoporosis. However, consult with your doctor before following it for similar results.
May Benefit Those With Breast Cancer
Research suggests that diet-dependent high acid load may increase the risk of breast cancer, whereas an alkaline diet may have protective benefits against it (6). However, more research is needed to determine the positive impacts of an alkaline diet on different cancers.
May Treat Chronic Kidney Disease
A study suggests that reducing the dietary acid load to the kidneys by consuming a low-protein diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins may slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease (7). Another study published in the Iranian Journal of Kidney Diseases states that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, such as an alkaline diet, may have positive effects on kidney health (8).
May Boost Heart Health
According to a review published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, an alkaline diet may help reduce the risk of hypertension and stroke (2). This may be due to the increased consumption of fruits and vegetables (9).
May Aid In Weight Loss
The alkaline diet restricts processed foods, dairy, and foods that are high in calories. This helps limit your overall calorie intake, which can aid in weight loss. While there are no studies to support this, the diet’s emphasis on fruit and vegetables may help lose weight. They are rich in fiber, which is associated with weight loss (10). A study published in the Frontiers in Nutrition determined the relationship between dietary fiber and weight loss. According to it, the intake of fiber was higher in the weight loss group who consumed 2.45 servings of fruits, 2.99 servings of vegetables, and 1.03 servings of beans (10).
May Prevent Muscle Loss
A study conducted on the role of dietary acid-base load in muscle loss states that an alkaline diet may prevent muscle loss in healthy women. The study suggested that although protein is important for muscle mass maintenance, fruits and vegetables may also help with it due to the presence of potassium and magnesium in them (11). However, more research is needed in this regard. We have taken a look at the benefits of the alkaline diet. But what good are these benefits if we do not know what foods to consume to get them? Let us find out in the next section.
Foods To Eat And Avoid On The Alkaline Diet
The alkaline diet categorizes foods into two main groups: acid-forming and alkaline-forming. Acid-forming or acidic foods include meat, dairy, grains, and processed foods while alkaline-forming ones consist of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Knowing about various acidic foods will further equip you to tailor your eating options, as it will tell you what food you can have or what you should avoid. Here is a complete list of foods you can consume and limit in this diet: If you decide to go ahead with the diet, you can use ingredients from this food list to come up with delicious meals. Moreover, as we know, every diet plan includes fruits. Knowing alkaline fruits benefits and side effects can further enhance your understanding of this diet. Here is a sample meal plan that will give you an idea of what to include in your daily diet.
Alkaline Diet Meal Plan
Here is a sample alkaline diet meal plan you may follow: This meal plan is a mere suggestion, and you do not have to follow it to the T. In addition to the meals mentioned above, you may also include snacks in your diet. Here are some examples of alkaline diet-friendly snacks:
A handful of almonds 1 fruit of your choice ½ cup chia pudding 1 sliced cucumber with 2 tablespoons hummus 1 apple with 1 tablespoon of almond butter ½ cup roasted chickpeas
Further, if you wish to follow the diet for more days or want to modify it for your personal goals, here is what you may do:
Alkaline Diet For Beginners
If you are a beginner to the diet, it is best to start slow. Here are some things you may do to ensure that:
Gradually incorporate more alkaline foods such as leafy greens and fruits into your regular meal plans and reduce acidic ones. Aim to fill half your plate with alkaline vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and cucumbers for every meal. Experiment with different alkaline diet recipes to make the transition more enjoyable.
Alkaline Diet For Weight Loss
Although the alkaline diet is not primarily designed for weight loss, it may help with it due to its plant-based eating pattern. Here are some tips you may follow to support your weight loss journey:
Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating. Plan your meals to prevent compulsive eating and ensure you have alkaline diet-friendly foods readily available at home. Combine your dietary changes with regular physical activity for sustainable weight loss.
21-Day Alkaline Diet
If you are unsure about the diet, it is a good idea to experiment with it first. You may do so for a short period and see how it suits you. Here is how you can do it:
Before starting the diet, consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian, especially if you have an underlying health condition such as diabetes or nutritional deficiencies. Research alkaline foods and incorporate them into your daily meal plans, depending on your daily calorie intake, food sensitivities, and health conditions. At the end of the 21 days, assess if you experienced any positive changes and want to continue with the diet.
Vegan Alkaline Diet
Since the alkaline diet mostly focuses on plant-based eating, the diet can be easy to follow for vegans. Here is what you may do to make the diet completely vegan-friendly:
Replace animal products such as eggs and chicken in alkaline meal recipes with plant-derived alternatives such as lentils, tofu, tempeh, and seitan. If you are allergic to soy or other plant-based proteins, consider consulting your doctor for supplement suggestions. Replace sweeteners such as honey with brown sugar and maple syrup.
The alkaline diet mainly emphasizes consuming plant-based foods, and it does not have to be boring at all. Scroll down to the next section to take a look at some quick and delicious alkaline diet recipes you can incorporate into your daily routine.
Alkaline Diet Recipes
Tofu Scramble
Ingredients
1 tablespoon cooking oil 280 g tofu 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped 1 onion, finely chopped ½ cup mushrooms, sliced 1 large garlic clove, minced ½ tablespoon turmeric powder 1 tablespoon cumin powder ½ tablespoon pepper 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons coriander, chopped
How To Prepare
Apple Cinnamon Smoothie
Ingredients
1 apple, roughly diced 1 orange, peeled and cut into cubes 100 ml almond milk 1 teaspoon ginger, crushed 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder 2-4 ice cubes
How To Prepare
Add apple, orange, ginger, cinnamon powder, and almond milk to a blender. Blend until you get a smooth mixture. Add 2-4 cubes of ice to a glass and pour the smoothie into it.
Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
400 g chickpeas, boiled ½ avocado, chopped 1 cucumber, chopped 1 onion, chopped 4-6 cherry tomatoes, cut into half 2 coriander stalks, roughly chopped 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How To Prepare
Add chickpeas, onion, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and coriander in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to it. Mix well and enjoy!
Just like all other diets out there, the alkaline diet also has its own set of drawbacks. Let’s go through some of them in the next section.
Side Effects Of The Alkaline Diet
May Lack Protein
Since the alkaline diet limits the consumption of common protein sources such as eggs, milk, meat, and cottage cheese, it may lack protein, especially if you also do not eat plant-based proteins such as tofu and lentils. Research suggests that inadequate protein intake and the resulting undernutrition may result in physical weakness, edemai Another term for swelling that mainly occurs in the legs, feet, and ankles due to excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues. , anemiai A medical condition characterized by the deficiency of healthy red blood cells which causes symptoms like shortness of breath. , and poor immunity (12).
May Lack Vitamins And Minerals
The alkaline diet plan closely resembles the vegan diet, as it mainly focuses on plant-based eating. Due to this, it may lack some vitamins and minerals, just like veganism. A study indicates that a vegan diet may result in deficiencies of micronutrients, such as vitamin B12, zinc, and calcium (13). Anecdotal evidence also suggests that an alkaline diet may lead to side effects such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea, especially if your body is not accustomed to a high-fiber diet. Therefore, always consult your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet. How long should I follow an alkaline diet? Anecdotal evidence suggests there is no fixed period for practicing the alkaline diet. Some may follow it for a short period for a quick cleanse, while others stick to it long-term as a lifestyle. You may consult your healthcare provider to determine which of the two is ideal for you. Is lemon alkaline? No, lemon is acidic in its natural state with a pH between 2 to 3. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that it becomes alkaline after digestion in the body. Is coconut water alkaline? No, coconut water is not alkaline. It usually has a pH between 5 to 5.4, which is considered slightly acidic. However, if you are interested in alkaline water, you must explore alkaline water benefits. There are plenty of them; you can make alkaline water at home for a cost-effective solution.
Illustration: Alkaline Diet - Health Benefits Meal Plan & Recipes
Alkaline foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, may promote your overall health. However, the alkaline diet has its own set of disadvantages just like other diets. Check out this video to learn all about its pros and cons and determine if the diet is ideal for you.
